For seasoned big-league veterans, spring training often serves as a warm-up rather than a proving ground. Many have their spots secured, unlike the prospects and fringe players battling for a place. The New York Mets find themselves in the midst of crucial roster decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Like every team, the Mets face tough choices. A key storyline is whether Carson Benge will secure the right field position. With a wealth of young talent, the rotation is under scrutiny, and the addition of a veteran bullpen arm adds another layer of complexity.
Despite a storied career, Craig Kimbrel must prove his worth to the Mets.
Kimbrel joined the Mets on a minor-league deal in January, a common strategy to bolster bullpen depth affordably. At 37, he’s easing into action, prioritizing health to avoid injuries that could end his career. So far, he’s pitched just three innings this spring.
Last year, Kimbrel’s major league action was limited, boasting a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings. In Triple-A, he maintained a 3.00 ERA across 39 innings, with promising peripherals. Although his fastball has slowed since his last All-Star appearance in 2023, he still achieved a 30.0% whiff rate and a 29.8% strikeout rate in Triple-A.
Kimbrel’s veteran presence offers two potential advantages. First, his experience could be invaluable to younger pitchers.
Second, his extensive big-league track record provides a wealth of data for evaluation. However, how much weight the Mets place on this data remains uncertain.
Even if he makes the team, it's unlikely he’ll add significantly to his 440 career saves. With Devin Williams and Luke Weaver better suited for high-leverage situations, Kimbrel hasn’t recorded a save since July 2024. Still, both he and manager Carlos Mendoza are optimistic about his contributions, despite the uphill battle.
The bullpen is arguably the team’s weakest link, and if Kimbrel can tap into his former glory, he could be a valuable asset. The minor-league deal reflects the front office's cautious approach, allowing them flexibility with minimal risk. Confident in his abilities, Kimbrel has a few weeks to make his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster.